5 Premier League Teams in Good Shape Despite Opening Game Loss

5 EPL Teams in Good Shape Despite Opening Game Loss

Getty Images

The opening weekend of the Premier League provided great excitement for fans, but the eight teams that sit at the bottom of the table after suffering a loss in their opening matches aren't quite as enthused. That being said, there are 37 matches left to play and there's no reason to panic. Here are five EPL teams that are still in good shape despite losing their opening match.

5. Southampton

Getty Images

5. Southampton

Getty Images

Many had Southampton penciled in for relegation heading into the season, but they didn't look like a team headed for relegation in the season opener. They did well to score an equalizer against Liverpool and nearly left with what would have been a well-earned draw. If they can bring the same effort and organization they had in that game to the rest of the season, they should be able to stay clear of the relegation zone.

4. Newcastle United

Getty Images

4. Newcastle United

Getty Images

Newcastle is at the very bottom of the table on goal differential, but they were a lot more competitive than the score line would indicate against the defending EPL champs. Despite the loss, fans of Newcastle should be pleased with the effort and performance they saw over the weekend. Whether they can score enough goals to reach the top half of the table remains to be seen, but they should keep things interesting this year.

3. Crystal Palace

Getty Images

3. Crystal Palace

Getty Images

Crystal Palace were painfully close to getting a road point against Arsenal, which would have been a great way to start the season. But despite the late goal, Crystal Palace showed that they can be competitive with just about any team in the Premier League, which gives them a chance to have a top-half finish this season.

2. West Ham United

Getty Images

2. West Ham United

Getty Images

West Ham really got the short end of the stick as far as results go, giving up a stoppage time goal and suffering a loss to Tottenham. They deserved at least a draw, but for much of the game they looked to be the better team and should have been able to find the back of the net at some point. The loss in the opener is a setback, but based on the way they played, they'll be just fine this year.

1. Manchester United

Getty Images

1. Manchester United

Getty Images

All the good feelings following a great preseason went out the window real fast for Manchester United following their loss to Swansea City. The talent level is still high, but there certainly seem to be lingering issues from last season as Louis van Gaal is still trying to figure out his roster after not joining the team until after the World Cup. There's still time to make transfers, and ultimately van Gaal should get things figured out.